End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) in Malaysia

Meaning and timing

Aidilfitri is a Muslim festival celebrated after Ramadan, the month of fasting. A Malaysian Islamic affairs publication describes it as a time of gratitude and joy after completing the month, and notes that Muslims do not fast on the first day of Shawwal.[5]

In Malaysia, the holiday is also a major occasion for family reunions. The same publication describes relatives returning to their home villages to gather, a journey commonly called balik kampung.[5]

Public-holiday status

The two-day public-holiday status is reflected in separate legal frameworks. The Holidays Act 1951 applies to Peninsular Malaysia within its stated scope and lists Hari Raya Puasa for two days; Sabah and Sarawak have their own holiday ordinances, which also list Hari Raya Puasa and the following day.[1][2][3]

Substitute-day rules are not identical throughout the country. The Holidays Act provides for the next day to become a holiday when a listed holiday falls on a weekly holiday, subject to exceptions. Sabah’s ordinance specifies a following-day rule when a scheduled holiday falls on Sunday, while Sarawak’s ordinance provides for the following Monday in that situation, unless otherwise ordered.[1][2][3]

A public holiday does not mean every employee necessarily has both days off. For employees covered by the Employment Act 1955 in Peninsular Malaysia, the law provides 11 paid holidays selected from gazetted public holidays each year, including five specified holidays; check the applicable employment rules and your employer’s holiday notice.[4]

How people observe it

Family visits, reunion meals and welcoming guests are part of the Malaysian celebration described in JAKIM’s magazine. The publication also records festive preparations such as new clothes and home decorations.[5]

Open houses bring the custom into public life: guests are welcomed to share food and meet others. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has reported on a Hari Raya open house hosted by the prime minister and cabinet, with festive dishes and cultural performances.[6]

Closures and travel

In Sabah, public holidays apply to banks, educational establishments, public offices and government departments, although specified public offices may be exempted.[2]

Balik kampung can affect road travel as people journey to reunite with family. JAKIM’s publication describes congestion on major roads and highways during these homeward trips.[5] Travelers should check transport operators and local business hours before setting out, since services do not all follow the same schedule.